Pertuzumab

Summary

Pertuzumab is used in some types of HER2-postive breast cancer and thus predominately in women. Relevant analysis on sex differences is thus lacking.

Additional information

Pertuzumab inhibits ligand-initiated intracellular signaling and mediates antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and is used in combination with trastuzumab and chemotherapy for some types of HER2-positive breast cancer [1,2].

Pharmacokinetics and dosing

No difference in dosing between men and women is recommended by the pharmaceutical company [1, 2].

Effects

As the indication for pertuzumab is HER2-positive breast cancer, a disease affecting mostly women, most studies include almost only women [3-5]. Thus, controlled studies with a relevant analysis of differences between men and women regarding pharmacokinetics, effects, or safety of pertuzumab are lacking.

Adverse effects

See above.

Reproductive health issues

Data is lacking but pertuzumab, like most other anti-cancer drugs, is not considered compatible with pregnancy. It is recommended that women of childbearing potential use contraceptives during and for 7 months after use of pertuzumab [1, 2]. The pharmacautical compnay reports that limited data from toxicity studies indicate that pertuzumab may affect the male reproductive system [1]. Regarding teratogenic birth defects, please consult Janusmed Drugs and Birth Defects (in Swedish, Janusmed fosterpåverkan).